Cabo Travel Notes
Thank you for all the big birthday love. I’m feeling so adored, so expanded, and trying to bask in all the good vibes now that I’m home.
There was a clear theme to this trip: surrender.
It started with my luggage not arriving until 24 hours later. All the care and thought I’d put into packing — poof — gone. And honestly? It didn’t matter. I had my sister and girlfriends to share swimsuits and toiletries with. We made it work. It reminded me that my 40s are going to be about being REAL.
A big storm rolled in the night before my actual birthday and rescheduled our private boat plans. We had to shuffle a bunch of things around and ended up at the spa instead — only to find out that two girlfriends who couldn’t make it were treating me to my massage. I took the hint: my 40s are also going to be about ROOTING and RECEIVING.
I almost didn’t write this post because I’ve been feeling a little overexposed from all the birthday joy. Maybe I’ve hit an upper limit on how much goodness I’m willing to let in and share. But then I remembered: celebrate is one of my intentions for the year so I’m going to let myself be RADIANT.
Here’s to celebrating- not just the birthday, but the feeling of being so supported by life.
WHERE WE STAYED
Mar Del Cabo– I chose this spot for the charm. It’s a small hacienda-style boutique hotel covered in bougainvillea, with dreamy blue accents everywhere — from the tile, to the room doors, to the hand-painted florals on the floors.
It’s adults-only and so peaceful — especially during the first few midweek days when we practically had the whole place to ourselves. The beds were extra comfy, and the included American breakfast each morning was perfection: eggs your way, bacon, hash browns, fresh papaya and fruit, housemade granola, and fresh-squeezed orange juice.
Grand Velas Resort– Mar Del Cabo is part of a trio of neighboring properties under the Grand Velas portfolio. Even though our hotel had its own pool, we had access to the larger infinity pool next door, which was such a nice bonus.
WHAT WE DID
Floral Farms Spa– On the day of my birthday, we had spa appointments at Flora Farms. Two friends who couldn’t make it surprised me with a 60-minute deep tissue massage followed by a dreamy relaxation soak in a tub filled with floating flowers. It was so lovely and grounding. With our boat plans getting rescheduled due to the storm, this ended up being the perfect soft landing.
La Isla Private Boat Tour– My sister treated us to a private catamaran tour, and it was such a sweet treat. The boat fits up to 12 people, but it was just the four of us and the crew, which made it feel super intimate. There was an open bar, music, and a fresh, healthy Mexican-style lunch — tacos, guac, ceviche, and a citrus + jicama salad.
We had a dance party, floated on rafts, swam to a hidden beach, jumped off the top deck, and made memories together. I felt a little dizzy later that night (the water was still choppy from the storm), but it was so worth it.
Edith’s– This traditional Mexican spot came recommended by a friend — and it lived up to the hype. It was packed, so definitely make a reservation. I ordered the grilled butterfly shrimp and it was delicious. Great food, great drinks, lively atmosphere. A mariachi band even sang at our table!
Drinks at Waldorf Astoria– We had planned to go to El Farallón, the Waldorf Astoria’s cliffside restaurant, for dinner and sunset views, but ended up going just for drinks instead. I had a crisp Mexican white sauvignon blanc and it hit the spot. The view is absolutely stunning, and it’s the perfect golden hour spot.
Acre– The ultimate birthday dinner spot. Set on a gorgeous working farm, Acre is high-end but relaxed — totally approachable in its lush outdoor setting. We started with a rainbow beet salad, then I had a gluten-free fried soft shell crab taco (for the Cancer lady), and then shared the grilled fish with my sister. It came with warm corn tortillas and was perfectly done. The food, the ambiance, the company all made for an unforgettable night.
WHAT I WORE
Farm Rio Set– By far the most worn piece of the trip — I reached for it three out of five days! It was the perfect swim cover-up and the easiest set to throw on for morning coffee and breakfast. I ended up loving how long the top was too, it worked beautifully as a cover-up on its own. Already dreaming of styling the shorts again this summer with a black top and red sneakers.
Birthday Dress- This dreamy Cara Cara dress from The Real Real had been waiting patiently in my closet for over a year and finally got its moment. I fell in love with the print and the way it fit the first time I tried it on. I dressed it up with black sandals and my vintage Chanel bag, but I could totally see it worn more casually with flats. I have a feeling it’ll resurface for another special occasion.
Blue Floral Maxi– Definitely a splurge but worth every penny. I got so many compliments on this dress. It feels like a collector piece I’ll keep for years. I’m planning to wear it in Europe later this summer with red and pink Adidas for a fun, sporty contrast.
J.Crew Raffia Tote– I heard this is already sold out and I totally get why! It was the perfect travel-to-beach bag. Great quality, super roomy, and so versatile. I honestly can’t believe I’ve gone a couple of summers without a raffia tote… never again. Total closet staple.
Ray-Ban Sunglasses– I brought a few pairs but ended up wearing the pink pearlized ones every single day. They were so playful. Pro tip: I always pack sunglasses in my carry-on tote in case my luggage gets lost — which came in handy this trip!
Havaianas– When the heat kicks in, my feet swell and most shoes give me blisters — but flip-flops never fail me. I love the slim Havaianas in gold (super versatile), but now I want a black pair too. They take up no space and go with everything.
Linen Pants– These became my outfit for a full 24 hours (along with my fave tank) while I waited for my luggage… and I still love them. So comfy, so easy. Ideal for the beach, sleeping, traveling, you name it. Can’t recommend them enough.
Talk about keeping the good vibes going — I’m off to Europe in a couple weeks with my dad and sister for some adventuring. Packing post (and more celebrating) coming soon!
